The winners of the sixth edition of Hope Academy's annual inter-school rock music competition, Melomania 6.0 held on October 30.
Chümoukedima, October 30 (MExN): The sixth edition of Hope Academy's annual inter-school rock music competition, Melomania 6.0, took center stage on October 30 at the school campus. Adding a new dimension to the event, this year’s contest introduced a Dance-Off category, providing another platform for young talents to shine. A total of six schools, including Hope Academy, participated in this exciting addition.
Hope Academy emerged victorious in the Dance-Off, taking home a cash prize of Rs 15,000 sponsored by Goodwill Enterprise. The Maple Tree School clinched the first runner-up title, with a prize of Rs 10,000, courtesy of Muffets & Co., and Beanstalk School secured the second runner-up position, winning Rs 5,000, sponsored by Advanced GIIT. The dance competition was judged by the panel including Akehoto Yeptho, a dancer and choreographer with Ethnic Future, Nagaland Folkloric; Nabanita Sarkar from Mariani, Jorhat, Assam; and Meyitemsu Naga, owner and instructor at The Revolution Dance and Fitness Academy in Dimapur.
In the rock beat competition, The Maple Tree School walked away with the title of Melomania 6.0 champion, receiving a grand prize of Rs 50,000, sponsored by Prima Construction. The runner-up position went to Hope Academy sponsored by AH Enterprise, impressing the audience and judges alike. Eleven schools from Dimapur, Mokokchung, and Kohima participated in the heated contest, each bringing their unique style and sound. In addition to the overall winner, awards for Best Vocalist, Best Guitarist, Best Drummer, and Best Bassist were presented, each with cash prizes of Rs 5,000, sponsored by Audio Garage, Mean Machine Pro Lightz & Fusion, Synergy Group, and LIC.
The event was graced by Lipokmar Tzudir, a renowned composer, conductor, and educationist.
Tzudir has served as the Director of the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and is currently a faculty member at the Nagaland Conservatory of Music, which he founded in 2012. He joined the event as the Guest of Honour, inspiring the young artists by emphasizing the importance of pursuing creativity and being passionate. He quoted ‘Music isn’t just sound; it’s a canvas of imagination’ Through music, we find new ways to connect with ourselves and the world, making each note a step toward a brighter, more inspired future and encouraged to embrace music not only for entertainment but as a force of transformation and a pathway to limitless possibilities.”
Adding a spark to the evening, indie rock sensation Polar Lights, a renowned band from Nagaland, performed three original songs, leaving the audience electrified with their energetic performance.
Since its inception in 2019, Melomania has aimed to provide a vibrant platform for school students to showcase their musical abilities.
Sashizungla Ao, Principal of Hope Academy, highlighted in her vote of thanks that Melomania goes beyond music; it is a “dream project” that started five years ago with a small but ambitious team. She expressed her gratitude for the support, adding that this year’s Melomania not only draws schools from Dimapur but also welcomes participants from Kohima and Mokokchung, highlighting the event’s statewide reach and dedication to fostering young musical talent.